Chapter 240

"Claude." The name slipped from Hannah before she could catch herself.

Her chest tightened with a rush of emotion-never in her wildest dreams did she imagine the Fontaine Galleria deal would bring her face-to-face with Claude Hobbes, the once adopted son of the Scott family.

She remembered how, at ten years old, Claude had left to reunite with his biological parents. After that,he'd vanished from her world.

Now, standing before her, Claude was nothing like the boy she once knew. He wore a sharp, custom suit that only amplified his tall, commanding presence.

Hannah quickly masked her shock, shifting into her polished, professional persona.

Claude's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the sound of his name. A visible thrill swept through him, a slow,satisfied smile curving his lips. "Anna," he murmured,his voice deep and rich, laced with old affection."Finally got to see you again. After all these years."

He rose and closed the distance between them with deliberate steps.

Hannah's keen gaze caught a familiar quirk-his right thumb absently rubbing his index finger, the same old nervous habit from childhood. She found herself staring at someone both intimately familiar and strangely changed.

"Mr. Hobbes," Hannah began crisply, bringing the conversation back to business. "This wasn't what l expected, but I trust you've seen VelaCore's numbers and proposal. VelaCore's getting into Fontaine Galleria would benefit us both."

She was ready to dive into her pitch when he cut her off with an easy, offhand comment. "Don't rush,Anna."

Claude stopped right in front of her, eyes studying every detail of her face. "It's been over a decade,Anna." There was a bittersweet warmth in his voice."How are your parents?"

"They're doing well," Hannah replied, her composure unshaken. "They've retired, and life is peaceful for them now."

Her answer was measured, emotions carefully kept in check, but Claude's eyes hinted at something deeper. "I'm glad to hear that," he replied quietly.

"Back then, I didn't have a real choice. Leaving wasn't what I wanted, and I still owe the Scott family an apology." He took another step closer, regret clouding his gaze.

Conflicting feelings flickered through Hannah, and her tone softened just a little. "That's all in the past now. My parents never held it against you. Mr.Hobbes, let's get back to business."

"Just call me Claude," Claude insisted, his tone suddenly firm, almost commanding. He met Hannah's eyes with a faint, challenging smile. "'Mr. Hobbes' sounds far too distant."

Hannah hesitated, instinctively aware that the name blurred boundaries, but quickly composed herself.It was just a name. No biggie.

"Claude," she said, her gaze steady as she reclaimed her poise. "Let's dive into our brand project..."

She steered the conversation sharply back to the main point.

"Absolutely, we can talk about the project," Claude interjected with a low chuckle, his pace unhurried."But how we discuss it is up to me. Fontaine Galleria isn't in the business of giving handouts.I'll need solid evidence that both VelaCore and you, Anna, are truly aligned with Fontaine Galleria's values."

Hannah's eyes narrowed in wary suspicion. "Mr.Hobbes... Claude, what exactly are you suggesting?"

He leaned in, eyes alight with a predator's thrill."We're standing on a golf course. Let's settle it right here. A single hole decides the winner." His grin was downright mesmerizing. "If you come out on top, I'll personally make sure your brand gets a prime spot in Fontaine Galleria, with the best terms possible."' He let the moment linger, clearly enjoying Hannah's reaction. "But if you lose, then you spend dinner with me every night for a month. Just you and me." His voice dropped to a low, teasing, slow speech, making it clear his interest in her went beyond the project itself.

Hannah weighed his proposal for only a second before nodding with conviction. "You've got yourself a deal. We'lI do as you said."

After a quick warmup, they each found their spot on the course, ready for the challenge ahead.

Claude's swing was smooth and confident, his ball landing in a spot that would give anyone pause.

He moved aside, never taking his eyes off Hannah.Finally, the woman who'd haunted his thoughts was within arm's reach, and he could hardly hide his excitement. Staying composed, Hannah took her time analyzing the distance, the contours of the green, and the pace of the turf. She selected her putter, dropped into her stance, and centered her breathing.

Her technique was flawless, controlled, practiced,and self-assured. With a clean strike, she sent the ball rolling.

It clicked neatly against the cup and dropped in wvith a single putt.

"I won." Hannah handed off her club to the caddy,a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Shall we talk about that contract?"

Claude met her gaze, grinning wider. "Anna, you always surprise me."